Vulnerability Researcher Intern – 2026

Nightwing; Indialantic (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking interns for an onsite Vulnerability Researcher position focused on offensive cyber practices. You'll be involved in research and development, enhancing skills in assembly and network protocols. Required qualifications include a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a STEM program and familiarity with C or C++. The role emphasizes teamwork and self-starting abilities. U.S. citizenship and a government-issued security clearance are mandatory.

Qualifications

• GPA of 3.0+ in a 4.0 grade scale.
• Experience with C or C++ is necessary.
• Must be enrolled in a relevant STEM degree program.

Responsibilities

• Grow knowledge of targets being researched.
• Document research results regularly.
• Evaluate varying research results.
• Modify research tools as necessary.
• Productize successful research for delivery.

Skills

Understanding of OS Internals

Experience with assembly (x86, x64, ARM, etc.)

Understanding of network protocols

Knowledge of exploit mitigations

Experience with reverse engineering tools

Experience with debuggers

Tool building for vulnerability assessment

Professional attitude and teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

gdb

WinDbg

OllyDbg

Job description

Job Summary

Nightwing is looking for interns interested in a career focused on offensive cyber practices as a Vulnerability Researcher. This position is onsite.

Responsibilities

• Growth in knowledge of target being researched
• Regular documentation on research results
• Evaluation of research results
• Modifications to research tools and directions
• Productizing successful research to deliver to a customer

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
• Experience reading or writing assembly (x86, x64, ARM, PPC, MIPS, SPARC, 68k, or others)
• Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP stacks, wire‑level protocols, RF communications, BGP, routing protocols, or others)
• Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR
• Experience using reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, HexRays, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, or objdump
• Experience using debuggers such as gdb, WinDbg, OllyDbg
• Experience building and using tools to find, exploit, and productize vulnerabilities in complex software systems
• Candidates must be professional, self‑starters, possess a positive attitude, and work well with engineering and technician teams

Required Qualifications

• GPA of 3.0+ in a 4.0 grade scale
• Experience with C or C++
• Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), typically Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related area

Additional Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.